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  • Aisha Achimugu Denies $13m Found in Home, Speaks on Wealth Amid EFCC Case

    Lagos-based socialite and business executive, Aisha Achimugu, has denied reports that $13 million was discovered in her residence, describing the claim as misleading.

    She spoke amid ongoing scrutiny over her finances and legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    ‘I’m Not a Bank’

    In an interview on Monday, Achimugu said only $50,000 and ₦13 million, which she claimed belonged to her mother, were found during a raid on her home.

    “I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had 13 million dollars in my house. I’m not a bank,” she said.

    She added that her house was searched, but the widely circulated figure is inaccurate.

    Distances Wealth from Political Ties

    Achimugu also dismissed claims linking her wealth to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    According to her, she has been running businesses since 2001 and built her fortune through legitimate ventures.

    She said her company successfully participated in oil block bidding rounds between 2022 and 2024 through a transparent process.

    Explains Foreign Currency Possession

    On the presence of foreign currency, she said it was kept for practical reasons, noting that her children study abroad.

    “It is important to have some foreign currency available for emergencies,” she said.

    She declined to speak extensively on the EFCC case, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

    Addresses Birthday Controversy, EFCC Invitation

    Achimugu also defended her high-profile birthday celebration in Grenada, saying it had been planned for years and was not funded with any disputed funds.

    She explained that her delayed response to EFCC’s invitation was due to her being out of the country, adding that her movements may have been misinterpreted.

    Court Ruling Adds Twist

    In March, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Achimugu and her company to the Federal Government.

    The court ruled that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, while the EFCC maintained they were traced through suspicious transactions tied to oil block deals.

    Achimugu and her firm have, however, continued to deny any wrongdoing.

  • EFCC Warns Skit Makers Over Use of Agency Identity, Threatens Legal Action

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a fresh warning to skit makers and content creators, cautioning against the unauthorised use of its name, logo, uniforms, and operational identity in videos and other media content.

    Crackdown on unauthorised use

    The anti-graft agency said such portrayals misrepresent its operations and could mislead the public, especially amid rising cases of impersonation.

    According to the commission, any use of EFCC-branded jackets, insignia, or symbols without official approval is illegal and may attract prosecution.

    Concerns over scams and impersonation

    The EFCC noted that fraudulent individuals have increasingly exploited such portrayals to pose as its officials and extort unsuspecting Nigerians.

    It stressed that protecting its identity is necessary to prevent confusion and maintain public trust in its operations.

    Directive to content creators

    While acknowledging the role of creative content in raising awareness about financial crimes, the agency insisted that prior approval must be obtained before using its identity in any production.

    It warned creators to immediately desist from unauthorised depictions or risk being treated as impersonators under the law.

    Background to repeated warnings

    The latest directive follows similar cautions issued by the commission in recent years, often triggered by viral skits portraying EFCC operatives in exaggerated or comedic ways.

    Despite previous warnings, the agency said the trend has continued, prompting renewed enforcement efforts.

    Mixed reactions trail directive

    The move has sparked debate online, with some Nigerians supporting the decision as necessary to curb fraud, while others argue it could limit satire and creative expression.

    The EFCC, however, maintained that safeguarding its image and preventing misuse remain a priority.

     

  • EFCC Arrests Tunde Ayeni Over Alleged ₦36.5bn, $30m Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested businessman and former Skye Bank chairman, Tunde Ayeni, over alleged financial misconduct involving ₦36.5 billion and $30 million.

    Arrest in Abuja

    Ayeni was reportedly picked up in Abuja on Thursday and is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue into the matter.

    Sources familiar with the case said the arrest is linked to an ongoing probe into alleged financial dealings connected to Polaris Bank Plc.

    Probe focuses on fund diversion

    According to the report, the anti-graft agency is investigating the alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds said to have been obtained through companies linked to the former bank chairman.

    The funds are suspected to have been moved through a network of corporate entities allegedly associated with him.

    Investigation ongoing

    While details of the case remain limited, sources indicated that the EFCC is examining the flow of funds and the roles played by the entities involved.

    The development adds to ongoing scrutiny of financial activities within Nigeria’s banking sector, as authorities continue efforts to tackle economic crimes.

    The case is already gaining traction in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as Nigerians await further updates from the EFCC.